Maoists trigger landmine blast near BSF camp

MALKANGIRI: Maoists triggered a landmine blast near a BSF camp in Orissa's Naxal infested Malkangiri district this morning.

The powerful landmine was set off along a road at Sikhapalli near here apparently targeting BSF personnel who move out in groups from their camp in the morning hours, Inspector In-Charge of Malkangiri police station R K Pati said.

No one was injured as there was no movement near the site when the landmine exploded about 250 metres from the temporary BSF camp, he said.

A portion of the road was damaged in the incident. The blast was probably aimed at thwarting a health and awareness camp which was scheduled to be held by the BSF personnel deployed in the area, police said. The proposed health camp was deferred in view of the blast.

Combing operation and patrolling had been intensified in the area to track the ultras.

In another development in Gobindpalli in the district, about 50 km from here, Maoists have put up a large number of posters and banners asking special SPOs and home guards to quit their jobs, the sources said.